The status quo is something that I do not see PM Modi being successful in changing significantly. And what you say about Afghanistan being of help in opening up a diversionary front on Pakistan's western front I have already mentioned as being the best strategy forward. Either way, the progress will be painfully slow and nothing dramatic. That, actually, is a good thing, given the added dimension provided by atomic weapons on both sides.

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We had offered to change the LoC to the international border and end the dispute when we were on the receiving end of international politics, but Pak denied that.

Now, with the world switching to India's viewpoint, we have decided to change tack. Now we are talking about splitting Pak into more countries openly.

We have gained many options now. So let's see how it all plays out. At least for now, it appears Modi has almost practically guaranteed himself a second term. So we are going to see some unpredictable moves from him, similar to the surgical strikes.

We had offered to change the LoC to the international border and end the dispute when we were on the receiving end of international politics, but Pak denied that.

Now, with the world switching to India's viewpoint, we have decided to change tack. Now we are talking about splitting Pak into more countries openly.

We have gained many options now. So let's see how it all plays out. At least for now, it appears Modi has almost practically guaranteed himself a second term. So we are going to see some unpredictable moves from him, similar to the surgical strikes.

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To be honest, I find such boasts of breaking Pakistan into many pieces just as bombastic as Pakistani dreams of leading a unified Ummah, and just as unlikely. As you hint, Modi is using the LoC tensions to help his election to a second term, since an actual resolution is still far in the future. I have no problem in noting that this is the same cynical ploy that the Pak Generals use to consolidate themselves in Pakistan, on the backs of the poor Kashmiris.

To be honest, I find such boasts of breaking Pakistan into many pieces just as bombastic as Pakistani dreams of leading a unified Ummah, and just as unlikely. As you hint, Modi is using the LoC tensions to help his election to a second term, since an actual resolution is still far in the future. I have no problem in noting that this is the same cynical ploy that the Pak Generals use to consolidate themselves in Pakistan, on the backs of the poor Kashmiris.

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I gave that 'breaking up thing' as an example of my earlier example of 'issuing threats'. The fact is, "We don't want war. But we will break up Pakistan into smaller pieces, if we do go to war". That's the threat.

So India's position has shifted to a very aggressive stance compared to what was a completely passive stance even during the Kargil War where we didn't cross the LoC.

LoC won't be a major election issue for Modi. Kashmir has never been an election issue. I mean, Vajpayee gave us a resounding victory in 1999 and still lost the election in 2004. Only total war can become an election issue, depending on how big it is.

I gave that 'breaking up thing' as an example of my earlier example of 'issuing threats'. The fact is, "We don't want war. But we will break up Pakistan into smaller pieces, if we do go to war". That's the threat.

So India's position has shifted to a very aggressive stance compared to what was a completely passive stance even during the Kargil War where we didn't cross the LoC.

LoC won't be a major election issue for Modi. Kashmir has never been an election issue. I mean, Vajpayee gave us a resounding victory in 1999 and still lost the election in 2004. Only total war can become an election issue, depending on how big it is.

That only helps against more civilized militaries. Pak Army isn't civilized enough to understand that.

Take their nuclear posturing for example. They threatened us every few weeks with a nuclear strike. But we called their bluff. Once the surgical strikes happened, they are the ones speaking softly now, while carrying a broken stick.

PA joined the Afghan War on America's side only after the Americans publicly threatened to bomb Pak back to the 'stone age'.

They only act under threat. You push these generals into a corner and they will buckle. They can't afford to have their comfortable lives threatened now, do they?

That only helps against more civilized militaries. Pak Army isn't civilized enough to understand that.

Take their nuclear posturing for example. They threatened us every few weeks with a nuclear strike. But we called their bluff. Once the surgical strikes happened, they are the ones speaking softly now, while carrying a broken stick.

PA joined the Afghan War on America's side only after the Americans publicly threatened to bomb Pak back to the 'stone age'.

They only act under threat. You push these generals into a corner and they will buckle. They can't afford to have their comfortable lives threatened now, do they?

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Actually, the Pak Army is plenty smart. After all, what other army holds an entire country like they do? The people may suffer, but they do not. As long as they are regarded by their bloody civilians as the masters of whatever corner they are pushed into, what's the problem?

Actually, the Pak Army is plenty smart. After all, what other army holds an entire country like they do? The people may suffer, but they do not. As long as they are regarded by their bloody civilians as the masters of whatever corner they are pushed into, what's the problem?

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The biggest threat to Pakistan is not nukes, it is the rampaging IA. The biggest threat to India is not the PA, but nukes.

The IA can completely displace the PA, and that's what PA fears the most.

Why talk? Because India benefits from being seen as the rational regional power for peace, despite grave provocations, keeping the international community firmly in its favor.

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Sorry sir but this is such BS that only the diplomats and those journos/academics who participate in foreign conferances and panel discussions say.

In reality India does not gain a thing from these talks, instead it weakens India's hand as by engagin with a terrorist state it diminishs India's claims and legitimises the Pak state's actions.

India gets played for fools again and again, decades of looking like the"rational" player (I don't think it has had this affect though) has not acheived a thing. Doing the same thing again and again, expecting different resuts.....

Sorry sir but this is such BS that only the diplomats and those journos/academics who participate in foreign conferances and panel discussions say.

In reality India does not gain a thing from these talks, instead it weakens India's hand as by engagin with a terrorist state it diminishs India's claims and legitimises the Pak state's actions.

India gets played for fools again and again, decades of looking like the"rational" player (I don't think it has had this affect though) has not acheived a thing. Doing the same thing again and again, expecting different resuts.....

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Okay, let us assume you are correct. What alternative that is effective would you like to propose?

Okay, let us assume you are correct. What alternative that is effective would you like to propose?

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A consistent approach, treat Pakistan as it is asking to be treated (as a terrorist state). There can be no double standards, there can be no inconsistencies, every element of government and society needs to be on the same page. no more repeats of the Pathankot JIT debacle, no invites to their NSA.

Indians get angry that the US won't declare Pakistan a terrorist state but India's own parliament has yet to do so.

A consistent approach, treat Pakistan as it is asking to be treated (as a terrorist state). There can be no double standards, there can be no inconsistencies, every element of government and society needs to be on the same page. no more repeats of the Pathankot JIT debacle, no invites to their NSA.

Indians get angry that the US won't declare Pakistan a terrorist state but India's own parliament has yet to do so.

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Why do you think that the Indian Parliament has not yet declared Pakistan as a terrorist state? Do they see any downsides to doing so?